"The American Sign Language and Deaf Studies program is a dynamic concentration. In keeping with the Vincentian Mission, the program builds a skill set and knowledge base which ensures the ability to interact with people who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing both socially and in the workplace. A minor in ASL and Deaf Studies is beneficial for all majors"

This program of American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf Studies is available at Niagara University. It was one of the main reasons I chose to attend this establishment. I love the language of ASL and wanted to continue learning it and about Deafness in general. Professor Nanette Harmon is the Coordinator of the ASL and Deaf Studies minor along with being the adviser of ASL Club. On Monday, April 25, 2016, she will be hosting an Academic Demonstration on the campus. The students in her Deaf Culture course will be presenting projects that they have worked the full semester on perfecting.

The purpose of this demonstration is for students to express and prove what they have learned about how to properly interact with Deaf and Hard of Hearing people socially, and specifically in the workplace. Students in this course are attending NU pursuing several different degrees. They will take the material taught to them and present how they will properly implement this knowledge into their future work place. Majors in Education, Healthcare, Criminal Justice, and more can benefit from this awareness.

This is why it is important: With proper understanding and knowledge of Deafness, anyone can take the information they have learned and apply it to any career path they choose. Those students who leave with the minor have a high communication level of the language. However, knowing ASL is not a requirement in being able to bridge that communication gap with potential future clients, supervisors, or co-workers and that's what sets these students apart from other candidates. Hearing loss is not something to be feared or ignored. Knowing this information matters.

I've worked in customer service for about six years. I've had about a dozen situations where I was able to take the knowledge I now have about Hard of Hearing and Deafness and be able to use it in my workplace. From my experience, every person I have come across has appreciated the fact that I had taken the time to become informed. It has made all the difference to know that I made someone's experience a little better.

Anyone is welcome to attend this event. It is held in the Multi-Purpose Room in the lower level of the Gallagher Center from 4-630 on Monday, April 25, 2016. Come join, become aware, and take that information with you where ever you go!